Open Enrollment News

We have received notification
from the State that the State Health Benefits Program and School
Employees' Health Benefits Program (SHBP/SEHBP) annual Open
Enrollment for eligible employees is scheduled from October 1,
2013 until November 8, 2013. This annual open enrollment period
is an opportunity for you to review your health benefits
coverage and make changes that would become effective in January
2014, including:

Enroll in SHBP/SEHBP plans if you have not previously done
so;

Change to a different SHBP/SEHBP medical plan and/or, if
provided, dental plan;

Add eligible dependents - including children up to age
26. Optional coverage for dependent children until age 31
is also available under the provisions of Chapter 375, P.L.
2005.

You do not have to take any action if you do not wish to
make any changes to your current plan. To make a
change or enroll in SHBP/SEHBP plans, you must submit a
completed application with any documentation that may be
required to the Office of Employee Benefits in College Hall,
Room 314B by November 8, 2013. Both medical and prescription
drug coverage changes are made on the same application.
Dental coverage changes are made on a separate application.
Also, if you currently participate and want to wish to
continue participation in the FLEXIBLE SPENDING/$TAX$SAVE
ACCOUNT, you must renew your participation annually. Tax$ave
is a benefit program available to full-time State employees
who are eligible for the SHBP. Tax$ave may reduce your tax
liability by paying health and dental benefit premiums and
eligible unreimbursed medical and/or dependent care expenses
with pre-tax dollars.

All existing plans will continue to be available for 2014.
Additionally, the State SHBP/SEHBP Committee approved new plan
designs, as follows:

New 2035 Plan Design - included in the plan offerings for
active employees for this Open Enrollment are new 2035
medical plan designs. The new 2035 plans feature a $20
co-payment for a primary care visit, $35 co-payment for a
specialist visit, and a new prescription drug plan: all
designed to reduce premium costs and lower employee
contributions.

Wellness Program - Beginning with the 2014 plan year,
NJWELL is open to active employees who are enrolled in the
SHBP and SEHBP. Spouses and eligible partners can also
participate, as long as they are covered by the SHBP/SEHBP
plan. Through NJWELL employess receive incentives for
participating in simple screenings, health assessments, and
participating in other wellness and health lifestyle
activities. Information about NJWELL will also be posted on
the Division's Website through links at:

Please note that the health benefit contribution percentages for
employees increased as of July 2013. State employees in benefit
plans before June 28, 2011 should do calculation for both Year 3
and Year 4 since the rates for Year 4 will take effect in July
2014. Employees hired after June 28, 2011 should use the rates
for Year 4. The rates can be accessed at the links below.